The New South Wales Police Force spent more than $5
million last financial year compensating people who had been falsely
imprisoned or assaulted by officers.The figures have emerged after Greens MP David Shoebridge sent a list of questions to Police Minister Mike Gallacher last year.

One of the questions sought information on how much taxpayers' money had
been spent on compensation for people who claimed rough treatment from
police officers.Mr Gallacher's response to the questions shows a
jump of $1 million in 2010-11 in payments over officer assaults, false
imprisonment or "malicious prosecution", compared to the previous
financial year.Mr Shoebridge says he is concerned, and not just by the amount of money involved.

"We also saw the number of settlements increase from 22 to 34 in that same period," Mr Shoebridge said.